Cosmetic Dentistry
Teeth Whitening
Safe, professional whitening for a brighter smile that still looks like you.
Professional whitening lifts stains that build up in tooth enamel over the years from coffee, tea, red wine, and ordinary wear. Nothing gets drilled, covered, or reshaped. That makes it about the gentlest cosmetic change we offer.
Why teeth darken in the first place
Most of it is staining on or just under the surface, from what you eat and drink. That kind usually responds well. Some discoloration starts inside the tooth instead: certain medications taken in childhood, an old injury, or the slow yellowing that comes with age as enamel thins and the darker layer underneath shows through. Those cases are less predictable, and we’ll tell you so before you start.
Whitening also works only on natural enamel. Crowns, veneers, and fillings stay the color they are.
Store kits vs. whitening through our office
Drugstore strips can help with mild stains. Two things are different here. We check your teeth and gums first, because whitening over a cavity, a crack, or receded gums can be uncomfortable. And our take-home trays are made from impressions of your own teeth, so the gel stays on the teeth. You can choose an in-office treatment or custom trays you use on your own schedule, and we’ll set the strength and timing to keep sensitivity down.
Say you have a wedding in two months and a front crown that was matched to your teeth years ago. Whiten everything else, and that crown can end up looking darker than its neighbors. In a case like that, we’d plan the whitening first and then decide whether the crown should be replaced to match.
We aim for a shade that suits your face. Very white, chalky teeth rarely look like anyone’s own. If whitening won’t get you where you want to be, we’ll say so and talk through bonding or other options.
Frequently asked questions
- How long do whitening results last?
- Results vary from person to person and typically last several months to a couple of years. Coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco can dull the effect over time, so occasional touch-ups help keep your smile bright.
- Will whitening make my teeth sensitive?
- Some people notice temporary sensitivity to cold during or shortly after whitening, which usually fades within a few days. We can adjust the strength or timing of treatment to keep you comfortable.
- Does whitening work on crowns, veneers, or fillings?
- Whitening only lightens natural tooth enamel — it won't change the color of crowns, veneers, or fillings. If you have restorations in your smile line, we'll talk through how to get an even result before you start.
- Is professional whitening safer than store-bought kits?
- When used as directed, professional whitening is well studied and safe. Because we examine your teeth and gums first, we can catch issues that might cause discomfort and tailor the treatment to your mouth.